Frequent visitors to Hong Kong may skip immigration queue come Sept 22

SINGAPORE — Singaporeans who travel to Hong Kong numerous times a year will soon be able skip the queues to get their passports stamped and get cleared through the automated immigration lanes at the territory’s airport instead.

Starting next Monday (Sept 22), those who have visited Hong Kong at least three times in the past one year can apply for the e-Channel services at Hong Kong International Airport or Macau Ferry Terminal. Enrolment is on a voluntary basis and is free.

The convenience is extended to Hong Kong residents who frequent the Republic, under a mutual agreement announced yesterday.

The move, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), would enhance trade, business, and tourism links.

For detailed information, interested Singapore Citizens and Hong Kong residents can visit the websites of the Hong Kong Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk and ICA at www.ica.gov.sg respectively.